Systems and methods for evaluating environmental aspects of shipping systems

ABSTRACT

According to various embodiments, package evaluation systems and methods are provided for evaluating the sustainability of packaging used in the shipment of goods. In particular, the package evaluation systems and methods are configured for performing package evaluations and managing and providing access to data resulting from package evaluations. The package evaluations are designed to assess, among other things, the ability of sample packages to prevent damage to their contents, the volumetric efficiency of sample packages, and the sustainability of the materials used to construct sample packages. In addition, the systems and methods are further configured for assigning a certification to an entity associated with the evaluated packages based on the results of the evaluation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/704,800 entitled“Systems and Methods for Evaluating Environmental Aspects of ShippingSystems,” filed Feb. 12, 2010, which claims the benefit of provisionalU.S. Application No. 61/152,037 entitled “Systems and Methods ForEvaluating Environmental Aspects of Shipping Systems,” filed on Feb. 12,2009, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As awareness of environmental issues has grown, customers of shippingcompanies have become increasingly concerned with the impact of theirshipping activities on the environment. Many shipping customers (e.g.,sellers of goods) are interested in evaluating and optimizing thesustainability of their shipping practices. In particular, certainshipping customers are interested in evaluating their transportpackaging systems and optimizing the various packaging used as part oftheir transport packaging systems to ship products. These shippingcustomers may also be interested in communicating their environmentalawareness to the recipients of their packages and enabling thoserecipients to distinguish sellers using environmentally responsibleshipping practices.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved systems and methodsfor evaluating the sustainability of transport packaging systems and forcommunicating the sustainability of shipping customers' transportpackaging systems (as determined by the evaluation) to recipients ofpackages from shipping company customers. In addition, there is a needfor such a system to provide shipping company customers with anindication of which aspects of their shipping practices may be improvedbased on the evaluation. Furthermore, there is a need for such a systemto provide a level of transparency and accountability in order to ensureconfidence by recipients of packages in the legitimacy of the evaluationprocess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of exemplary evaluations and tests comprisinga transport packaging system evaluation according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a package evaluation systemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a shipping entity server according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction of variouscomponents of a package evaluation system according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating steps executed by the dataacquisition module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a shipper information form according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a damage prevention package informationform according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a product-package dimension informationform according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a package material information formaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a block diagram of a new shipper certification profileviewed at the certification level according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10B is a block diagram of an updated shipper certification profileviewed at the certification level according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of steps executed by the damage preventionmodule according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a package laboratory report according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a shipper certification profile viewed atthe damage prevention evaluation level according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a steps executed by the volume efficiencymodule according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15A is a block diagram of a volume efficiency threshold tableaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15B is a block diagram of a volume efficiency threshold table fortubular packages according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a shipper certification profile viewed atthe volume efficiency evaluation level according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of steps executed by the package materialsmodule according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the package materials calculator userinterface according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a cushion and fill material lookup tableaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a shipper certification profile viewed atthe package materials evaluation level according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of steps executed by the certification moduleaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a certification evaluation summaryaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating a package having acertification logo and package information printed thereon according tovarious embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to various embodiments, package evaluation systems and methodsare provided for evaluating the sustainability of packaging used in theshipment of goods. Various embodiments include a method for evaluatingthe sustainability of packaging used for shipping goods, the methodcomprising the steps of receiving, via one or more processors, damageprevention data pertaining to the ability of a first set of one or morepackages to prevent damage to a first set of one or more items; storingthe damage prevention data in one or more memory storage areas;receiving, via the one or more processors, volume efficiency data, thevolume efficiency data pertaining to the relative volume of a second setof one or more packages and a second set of one or more items; storingthe volume efficiency data in at least one of the memory storage areas;receiving, via said one or more processors, package materials datapertaining to the sustainability of one or more package materials usedto construct a third set of one or more packages; storing the packagematerials data in at least one of the memory storage areas; determining,via said one or more processors, based on the damage prevention data,the volume efficiency data, and the package materials data, whether thefirst set of packages, the second set of packages, and the third set ofpackages have satisfied a set of predefined sustainability criteria.

Various embodiments also include a system for evaluating thesustainability of packaging used for shipping goods, the systemcomprising: one or more memory storage areas; and one or more processorsconfigured for executing the steps of: receiving damage prevention datapertaining to the ability of a first set of one or more packages toprevent damage to a first set of one or more items; storing the damageprevention data in one or more memory storage areas; receiving volumeefficiency data, the volume efficiency data pertaining to the relativevolume of a second set of one or more packages and a second set of oneor more items; storing the volume efficiency data in at least one of thememory storage areas; receiving package materials data pertaining to thesustainability of one or more package materials used to construct athird set of one or more packages; storing the package materials data inat least one of said memory storage areas; determining based on thedamage prevention data, the volume efficiency data, and the packagematerials data, whether the first set of packages, the second set ofpackages, and the third set of packages have satisfied a set ofpredefined sustainability criteria.

Various embodiments also include a system for evaluating thesustainability of one or more package materials used to construct one ormore packages, the system comprising: one or more memory storage areas;and one or more processors configured for executing the steps of:receiving package materials data pertaining to the sustainability of oneor more package materials used to construct a package; storing thepackage materials data in at least one of the memory storage areas; anddetermining, based on the package materials data, whether the packageshave satisfied a set of predefined sustainability criteria.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described morefully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, butnot all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, variousembodiments of the invention may be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, various embodiments ofthe present invention may be embodied as a method, a data processingsystem, or a computer program product. Accordingly, various embodimentsof the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardwareembodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combiningsoftware and hardware aspects. Furthermore, various embodiments of thepresent invention may take the form of a computer program product on acomputer-readable storage medium having computer-readable programinstructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage medium.More particularly, various embodiments of the present invention may takethe form of web-implemented computer software. Any suitablecomputer-readable storage medium may be utilized including hard disks,CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Various embodiments of the present invention are described below withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,apparatuses (i.e., systems) and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may be loadedonto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readableinstructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchartblock or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions, andprogram instructions for performing the specified functions. It willalso be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions orsteps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

Overview

According to various embodiments of the present invention, a packageevaluation system is provided for evaluating the sustainability ofpackaging used in the shipment of goods. The package evaluation systemmay be used, for example, by a shipping entity (e.g., United ParcelService, Inc., FedEx Corp., United States Postal Service) in evaluatingthe sustainability of its customers' transport packaging systems andoffering an environmental certification for those customers based on theevaluation. A shipping entity customer (herein “shipper”) obtainingcertification may then be authorized to ship packages with a graphic orlogo indicating the shipper's certification. The certification processenabled by the package evaluation system allows shippers to optimize thesustainability of their shipping practices and convey theirenvironmental awareness to package recipients.

According to various embodiments, the package evaluation system isconfigured to capture, store, manage, evaluate, and provide access todata associated with various packaging evaluations used in thecertification process. For example, as part of the certificationprocess, a shipper (e.g., a retailer, manufacturer, or other shipper ofgoods) may be required to submit for evaluation one or more samplepackages, and/or sample package data, representative of the packagingused in its transport packaging system. The shipping entity, or a thirdparty, may then conduct a series of package evaluations designed toassess various environmentally significant aspects of the samplepackages. As will be discussed in greater detail below, each evaluationmay comprise one or more specific tests. As a metric for obtainingcertification, the shipping entity may specify certain criteria orstandards for the various evaluations that must be satisfied by thesample packages in order for the shipper to receive certification of itstransport packaging system. The package evaluation system may be used bythe shipping entity during the certification process to receive andstore package data used in various evaluations, perform certainevaluations, store records of testing data used as a basis for thecertification (or non-certification), determine whether sample packaginghas met the shipping entity's standards for certification, and identifyaspects of the sample packaging that may be modified to improve theoverall sustainability of the customer's transport packaging system.

According to various embodiments, the package evaluations facilitated bythe package evaluation system are designed to assess, among otherthings, the ability of sample packages to prevent damage to theircontents, the volumetric efficiency of sample packages, and thesustainability of the materials used to construct sample packages. Incertain embodiments, each of these package aspects may be assessed by aseparate evaluation comprised of one or more individual tests. FIG. 1shows a block diagram of a transport packaging system certificationprocess 900 comprised of three distinct package evaluations. Theillustrated evaluations include a damage prevention evaluation 910, avolume efficiency evaluation 920, and a package materials evaluation930. Each of these evaluations are directed toward package aspects thatare typically controlled by the shipper and that may affect thesustainability and overall environmental impact of the shipper'stransport packaging system.

For example, if an item shipped in a package is damaged during shipment,a subsequent replacement item will likely be shipped. This additionalshipment will require additional fuel for transportation and additionalmaterials for packaging. Accordingly, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, the damage prevention evaluation 910 comprises a shock test 911,a vibration test 912, and an atmospheric conditions test 913. As will bedescribed in more detail below, the tests 911, 912, 913 generally assessthe ability of one or more sample packages to protect their contentsfrom various conditions (e.g., shock, vibration, atmosphericconditions).

In addition, packages that are larger than necessary use excessivepackaging material and waste fuel by reducing the number of items thatmay be shipped within a given shipping vehicle. Accordingly, in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the volume efficiency evaluation 920comprises a product-to-package volume test 921. Generally, theproduct-to-package volume test 921 assesses the volumetric efficiency ofone or more sample packages by comparing the volume of the productshipped within a given package to the volume of the package itself.

Furthermore, the materials from which packages are constructed may haveenvironmental significance in a number of ways. For example, packagingmaterials that are environmentally harmful to produce or incapable ofbeing reused or recycled are less desirable from an environmentalperspective than materials with more sustainable properties.Accordingly, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the packagematerials evaluation 930 comprises a sustainable materials test 931. Thesustainable materials test 931 generally assesses the overallsustainability of the materials used to construct one or more packagesby accounting for various environmentally significant aspects of thematerials used.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, however, transportpackaging system evaluations facilitated by the package evaluationsystem may comprise various other evaluations directed toward additionalaspects of the sample packages. In addition, each evaluation maycomprise fewer or additional tests for assessing the sustainable aspectsof packages.

System Architecture

A package evaluation system 5 according to one embodiment is shown inFIG. 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 5 includes one or moreevaluation computers 10, 12, 14, one or more shipper computers 16, and ashipping entity server 20. These components are connected via a network15 (e.g., a LAN or the Internet). The package evaluation system 5 isconfigured for storing data to an accessible database 30 that may bestored on (or, alternatively, stored remotely from) the shipping entityserver 20. In other embodiments, the package evaluation system 5 furtherincludes a label printing apparatus and package printing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the shipping entity server 20 accordingto various embodiments. The shipping entity server 20 includes aprocessor 60 that communicates with other elements within the shippingentity server 20 via a system interface or bus 61. Also included in theshipping entity server 20 is a display device/input device 64 forreceiving and displaying data. This display device/input device 64 maybe, for example, a keyboard or pointing device that is used incombination with a monitor. The shipping entity server 20 furtherincludes memory 66, which preferably includes both read only memory(ROM) 65 and random access memory (RAM) 67. The server's ROM 65 is usedto store a basic input/output system 26 (BIOS), containing the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within theshipping entity server 20.

In addition, the shipping entity server 20 includes at least one storagedevice 63, such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a CD Romdrive, or optical disk drive, for storing information on variouscomputer-readable media, such as a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk,or a CD-ROM disk. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in theart, each of these storage devices 63 is connected to the system bus 61by an appropriate interface. The storage devices 63 and their associatedcomputer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage for a shippingentity server. It is important to note that the computer-readable mediadescribed above could be replaced by any other type of computer-readablemedia known in the art. Such media include, for example, magneticcassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, and Bernoullicartridges.

A number of program modules may be stored by the various storage devicesand within RAM 65. Such program modules include an operating system 80,a data acquisition module 200, a damage prevention module 300, a volumeefficiency module 400, a package materials module 500, and acertification module 600. According to various embodiments, the dataacquisition module 200, the damage prevention module 300, volumeefficiency module 400, package materials module 500, and certificationmodule 600 control certain aspects of the operation of the shippingentity server 20 with the assistance of the processor 60 and operatingsystem 80. In general, the data acquisition module 200 is configured toreceive and store pre-evaluation data relating to shippers and samplepackaging submitted for evaluation, and to make that data accessibleover the network 15 for use in the certification process 900. The damageprevention module 300 is configured to receive, manage, store, andevaluate data resulting from the damage prevention evaluations of samplepackages. The volume efficiency module 400 is configured to receive,manage, store, and evaluate data resulting from the volume efficiencyevaluations of sample packages. The package materials module 500 isconfigured to receive, manage, store, and evaluate data resulting fromthe packaging material evaluations of sample packages. The certificationmodule 600 is configured to determine whether a shipper has met allrequired standards set by the shipping entity for the certification ofthe shipper's transport packaging system, and to store final evaluationand certification data associated with a shipper and its samplepackages. Embodiments of these modules are described in more detailbelow

In a particular embodiment, these program modules 200, 300, 400, 500,and 600 are executed by the shipping entity server 20 and are configuredto generate graphical user interfaces accessible via the Internet orother communications network. In other embodiments, one or more of themodules 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 may be stored locally on theevaluation computers 10, 12, 14 and executed by one or more processorsof the computers 10, 12, 14. According to various embodiments, themodules 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 may send data to, receive data from,and utilize data contained in, the database 30. In addition, thedatabase 30 may comprise one or more separate, linked databases.

Also located within the shipping entity server 20 is a network interface74, for interfacing and communicating with other elements of a computernetwork. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art thatone or more of the shipping entity server 20 components may be locatedgeographically remotely from other shipping entity server 20 components.Furthermore, one or more of the components may be combined, andadditional components performing functions described herein may beincluded in the shipping entity server 20.

FIG. 4 illustrates the working relationship between the above-mentioneddatabase, modules, and computers according to one embodiment. Inparticular, the data acquisition module 200 sends data to and receivesdata from a shipper computer 16, and retrieves and stores data on thedatabase 30. The damage prevention module 300 sends data to and receivesdata from a first evaluation computer 10, and retrieves and stores dataon the database 30. The volume efficiency module 400 sends data to andreceives data from a second evaluation computer 12, and retrieves andstores data on the database 30. The package materials module 500 sendsdata to and receives data from a third evaluation computer 14, andretrieves and stores data on the database 30. The certification module600 retrieves and stores data on the database 30. In variousembodiments, a single evaluation computer may send data to the damageprevention module 300, volume efficiency module 400, and the packagematerials module 500. Embodiments of each of these modules are discussedin more detail below.

Database

According to various embodiments, the database 30 is configured to storeshipper information, data resulting from the evaluations of samplepackages, and data pertaining to the certification status of shippers.According to various embodiments, the database 30 is configured suchthat the data contained in the database 30 may be created, modified,read, copied, or otherwise manipulated by the various modules 200, 300,400, 500, 600 and computers 10, 12, 14, 16.

As noted above, the package evaluation system 5 may include variousmodules such as the data acquisition module 200, damage preventionmodule 300, volume efficiency module 400, package materials module 500,and certification module 600. The following paragraphs describe aspectsof these modules.

Data Acquisition Module

According to various embodiments, the data acquisition module 200 isconfigured to receive shipper and package data, format the receiveddata, and store the received data in the database 30. As will bedescribed in more detail below, certain shipper and package data must bereceived by a shipping entity before conducting the evaluations 910,920, 930 (herein “pre-evaluation data”). As such, the data acquisitionmodule 200 is further configured to monitor received shipper and packagedata and generate an alert (e.g., an email or message communicated via auser interface) indicating the evaluations for which all requiredpre-evaluation data has been received.

Shipper data received and stored by the data acquisition module 200 mayinclude, for example, the shipper's name and customer number. Thereceived package data includes data pertaining to various aspects of thesample packages submitted by a shipper. For example, each submittedsample package has a particular box type and fill type and is configuredto ship a particular type of product. The “box type” specifies the sizeand configuration of a sample package's primary external protectivestructure (e.g., medium size standard box, small thin box, large tubularcontainer). The “fill type” specifies the configuration of the package'sinternal protective structure (e.g., cardboard dividers, air bubbles,foam peanuts, no fill). The combination of a particular box type, filltype, and product results in a number of unique “package configurations”for the packages used in a shipper's transport packaging system.Accordingly, the package data received and stored by the dataacquisition module 200 may include, for example, a description of theitems certain sample packages are designed to contain, the box type andfill type of sample packages, the dimensions of sample packages, theweight of the sample packages, and the materials used to construct thesample packages.

FIG. 5 illustrates steps executed by the data acquisition module 200according to one embodiment. Beginning at step 202, the data acquisitionmodule 200 receives shipper and package data. According to certainembodiments, the data acquisition module 200 is configured to receivedata from the shipper computer 16, from one or more of the evaluationcomputers 10, 12, 14, and from other computers or devices configured foraccessing the shipping entity server 20 (e.g., via the network 15).

For example, the package evaluation system 5 permits a shipper todirectly transmit shipper and/or package data to the data acquisitionmodule 200 via the network 15 (e.g., without the need for a packagetechnician to manually enter the data). In one embodiment, the dataacquisition module 200 is configured to communicate with the shippercomputer 16 via a user interface (e.g., web-based user interfaceprovided on a shipping entity website). In such an embodiment, the userinterface provides instructions to the shipper pertaining to thecertification process 900 and permits the shipper to submit shipper andpackage data. The user interface facilitates the transfer of shipper andpackage data by allowing a user to either complete one or more userinput forms provided on the website or submit one or more completed userinput forms as electronic documents (e.g., a .pdf or .doc file).

According to various embodiments, the user input forms include variousdata fields that are configured to inform a shipper of thepre-evaluation data needed before one or more of the evaluations 910,920, 930 may be performed and to facilitate the transfer of thatpre-evaluation data to the data acquisition module 200. For example,FIG. 6 shows an exemplary shipper information form 250. As illustrated,a completed shipper information form 250 provides the shipping entitywith general shipper information, such as a customer number(s), annualshipment statistics, and information indicating whether the shipper'sshipments include certain types of products. As will be described inmore detail below in relation to step 206, this information is used bythe data acquisition module 200 in creating or updating a shipperprofile.

In addition, FIG. 7 shows a damage prevention package information form252. As illustrated, a completed damage prevention package informationform 252 provides the shipping entity with, among other things, dataspecifying the various box types used by a shipper and the productsshipped within each box type. In various embodiments, the shipper willprovide information for each box type used in its transport packagingsystem. In addition, the damage prevention package information form 252provides various damage prevention thresholds for each product-packagecombination. As will be described in more detail below, the informationsubmitted in the damage prevention package information form 252 is usedby package technicians and the damage prevention module 300 inconducting the damage prevention evaluation 910.

In addition, FIG. 8 shows a product-package dimension information form254. As illustrated, a completed product-package dimension informationform 254 provides the shipping entity with, among other things, dataspecifying the dimensions of products and box types comprisingproduct-package combinations used in a shipper's transport packagingsystem. In addition, the product-package dimension information form 254provides fragility class and packing configuration information for thoseproduct-package combinations. As will be described in more detail below,the information submitted in the product-package dimension informationform 254 is used by the volume efficiency module 400 in conducting thevolume efficiency evaluation 920.

In addition, FIG. 9 shows a package material information form 256. As isillustrated, a completed package material information form 256 providesthe shipping entity with, among other things, data specifying thematerials comprising a given package configuration used in a shipper'stransport packaging system. In one embodiment, a shipper may be requiredto submit a completed package materials form 256 for each packageconfiguration submitted for evaluation, with each package materials form256 specifying all materials used to construct a given packageconfiguration. As will be described in more detail below, theinformation submitted in the package material information form 256 isused by the package materials module 500 in conducting the packagematerials evaluation 930.

In various embodiments, a shipper may also send shipper and/or packagedata to the shipping entity in the form of hard-copy documents (e.g.,via standard mail) or an electronic document or electronic data (e.g.,via email or file transfer protocol). In such instances, the packageevaluation system 5 permits a package technician to manually enter thereceived shipper and/or package data into one of the evaluationcomputers 10, 12, 14 (or another computer or device capable of accessingthe shipping entity server 20) with the data being received by the dataacquisition module 200.

Returning to FIG. 5, the process continues to step 204, where the dataacquisition module 200 stores the shipper and package informationreceived in step 202 in the database 30. In storing the received data inthe database 30, the data acquisition module 200 is configured to formatthe data into a format specified by the shipping entity. For example,data received via one of the user input forms 250, 252, 254, 256 will bereceived in the desired format as the shipping entity configures theuser input forms to its own preferences. However, if the data isreceived, for example, in the form of an electronic document containingthe pre-evaluation data in an undesired format, the data acquisitionmodule 200 will automatically format the data into the format orarrangement specified by the shipping entity (e.g., using methods knownin the art).

Next, in step 206, the data acquisition module 200 either generates ashipper certification profile based on the received data (e.g., if noprior certification profile exists for the shipper associated with thereceived data) or updates an existing shipper certification profile withthe received data (e.g., if a certification profile has been previouslycreated for the shipper associated with the received data). The shippercertification profile is comprised of select data associated with ashipper and the evaluations being conducted for that shipper's transportpackaging system. Generally, the shipper certification profile presents,at different levels, a summary of the overall status of a shipper'scertification, as well as the status of and certain results from thevarious package evaluations. According to various embodiments, thepackage evaluation system 5 provides visibility to the shippercertification profile for users of the package evaluation system 5(e.g., via the aforementioned user interface).

FIG. 10A shows a shipper certification profile 260 generated by the dataacquisition module 200. The shipper certification profile 260 is shownviewed at the certification level, which presents the status of each ofthe evaluations 910, 920, 930 for a particular shipper. In generating anew shipper profile, the data acquisition module 200 creates the matrixand data fields shown in FIG. 10A, and inserts relevant data received instep 202 into the appropriate fields (e.g., the “shipper name” and“primary shipper number”).

As shown, the shipper certification profile 260 provides data fields forthe status of the evaluations 910, 920, 930, as well as the overallcertification status of the shipper. These fields may be updated as thecertification process moves forward and results are obtained for eachevaluation. For example, FIG. 10B shows an updated version of theshipper certification profile 260 shown in FIG. 10A. As illustrated, theshipper certification profile 260 indicates that the packages submittedfor evaluation by the shipper “ABC Company,” which is associated withthe primary shipper number “867,” have failed the damage preventionevaluation 910, passed the volume efficiency evaluation 920, and passedthe package materials evaluation 930. In the illustrated embodiment,certification of a shipper's transport packaging system requires that ashipper's submitted packages pass all three of the evaluations 910, 920,930. As such, the overall certification status of “ABC Company” islisted as “fail.” In addition, the shipper certification profile 260indicates the overall scores achieved by the submitted packages for thevolume efficiency evaluation 920 and the package materials evaluation930. As will be described in more detail below, other levels of theshipper certification profile 260 provide a summary of data pertainingto each individual evaluation (e.g., comments, test results, orindividual package data).

Finally, in step 208, the data acquisition module 200 reviews the datathat has been received and stored and determines, for each of theevaluations 910, 920, 930, whether all required pre-evaluation data hasbeen received. The data acquisition module 200 then generates an alertindicating the evaluations for which all required pre-evaluation datahas been received. For example, in one embodiment, the data acquisitionmodule 200 generates and sends an email to the email account of apackage technician associated with the certification of a particularshipper. The email indicates which evaluations are ready to be performedand which evaluations must be postponed until further pre-evaluationdata is received. In other embodiments, the alert may be in the form ofa text message to a cellular device or a message shown via a userinterface on one of the evaluation computers 10, 12, 14. In oneembodiment, the data acquisition module 200 is further configured tosend an alert (e.g., an email) to the shipper indicating the necessarydata not yet received and requesting that the shipper submit such data.

In addition to providing a shipper or other user with the ability toupload pre-evaluation data, the data acquisition module 200 may befurther configured to provide the shipper with further instructions forparticipating in the certification process 900 and other informationrelating to the certification process (e.g., associated fees, rules, andlegal information) via a user interface (e.g., a web-based userinterface) or by other communication means (e.g., email).

Damage Prevention Module

According to various embodiments, the damage prevention module 300 isconfigured to retrieve pre-evaluation damage prevention data and receiveand store damage prevention data resulting from the damage preventionevaluation 910 of a shipper's transport packaging system. As describedabove, the damage prevention evaluation 910 assesses the ability ofvarious packages to protect their intended contents. The damageprevention module 300 facilitates the performance of the damageprevention evaluation 910 by providing necessary pre-evaluation data topackage technicians performing the evaluation 910, as well as managingand storing the data resulting from the evaluation 910.

FIG. 11 shows steps executed by the damage prevention module 300according to one embodiment of the present invention. Beginning at step301, the damage prevention module 300 retrieves the pre-evaluation datanecessary for the damage prevention evaluation 910 from the database 30.In one embodiment, the damage prevention module 300 is configured toperform this step in response to a user request (e.g., user inputreceived from one of the evaluation computers 10, 12, 14). For example,as discussed above in regard to the data acquisition module 200 step208, a package technician may receive a notification that all of thepre-evaluation data has been received for the damage preventionevaluation 910. When the package technician is prepared to begin theevaluation, the package technician may submit a request to view thepre-evaluation data via one of the evaluation computers 10, 12, 14.

The pre-evaluation damage prevention data may include, for example, oneor more of the data provided in the fields of the damage preventionpackage information form 252 shown in FIG. 7. According to oneembodiment of the certification process 900, a shipper is required tosubmit sample packages representing each “box type” utilized in itstransport packaging system. As such, the pre-evaluation damageprevention data provided in the damage prevention package informationform 252 details each product-package combination (i.e., a separate setof data for each combination of a box type and a product type intendedfor shipment in that box type). For each product-package combination,the pre-evaluation damage prevention data includes a description ofdamage level thresholds for the indicated product type. In addition,according to one embodiment of the certification process 900, the damageprevention evaluation 910 is performed twice for each box type—once withthe heaviest package configuration for a given box type (e.g., theheaviest package having the given box type when fully loaded with itsintended product and fill materials) and once with the most fragileconfiguration for a given box type (e.g., the package containing aproduct that is most susceptible to damage when loaded into the givenbox type with fill materials). For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 7, thepre-evaluation damage prevention data indicates the heaviest and mostfragile configuration for each box type. For example, in such anembodiment, if a shipper's transport packaging system utilizes sixdifferent box types to ship the shipper's various products, a damageprevention evaluation 910 will be performed for 12 product-packagecombinations (assuming the heaviest and most fragile packageconfigurations are not the same for any particular box type).

Next, at step 302, the damage prevention module 300 displays theretrieved pre-evaluation damage prevention data, providing visibility tothe data for the one or more package technicians performing the damageprevention evaluation 910. In one embodiment, this step is accomplishedby displaying the retrieved pre-evaluation damage prevention data on amonitor connected to one of the evaluation computers 10, 12, 14. Afterdisplaying the data in step 302, the damage prevention module 300 waitsto receive any data resulting from the damage prevention evaluation.

As described briefly above, the damage prevention evaluation 910performed for each product-package combination comprises a series ofdamage prevention tests. In certain embodiments, the damage preventionevaluation 910 is comprised of tests specified in an industry standard(e.g., ISTA, ASTM, TAPPI). For example, in one embodiment, the damageprevention evaluation 910 is performed in accordance with the 2008International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) 3A standard, whichspecifies tests for evaluating a package's ability to protect itscontents from atmospheric conditions, shock, and vibrations.Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1, the damage prevention evaluation 910includes a series of shock tests 911, vibration tests 912, andatmospheric conditions tests 913 defined in the ISTA 3A standard.

In certain embodiments, these tests are carried out by packagetechnicians by manually manipulating sample packages submitted by ashipper with an intended product packed within the sample package. Inone embodiment, the results of the damage prevention evaluation 910 foreach product-package combination are reported by a package technician ina package laboratory report, which may generated from user-input to oneor more of the evaluation computers 10, 12, 14. FIG. 12 shows a packagelaboratory report 270 for the damage prevention evaluation of a box type“A2—Medium Standard Box” and product type “42—Six Candles.” As isillustrated, the package laboratory report 270 includes “AcceptanceCriteria” for passing the damage prevention evaluation, “Observations”made by the package technician pertaining to the performance of theproduct-package combination during the evaluation, and “Recommendations”for improving the package type in order to better protect the producttype. In addition, the package laboratory report 270 includes “Results”indicating whether the product-package combination has passed or failedthe evaluation. Throughout the damage prevention evaluation 910, thepackage technician may create similar package laboratory reports foreach product-package combination tested for a given shipper.

In one embodiment, the damage prevention characteristics of tubularpackages may be evaluated based on threshold dimensional requirements(e.g., in addition to or in place of the tests described above). Forexample, FIG. 15B shows a table of threshold dimensional values fortubular packages.

Referring back to FIG. 11, at step 304 the damage prevention module 300receives the package laboratory report or other data resulting from thedamage prevention evaluation 910 (herein “damage prevention data”). Thedamage prevention data (e.g., the data shown in the package laboratoryreport 270) may be entered directly into one of the evaluation computers10, 12, 14, or included in a document transmitted to the shipping entityserver 20 via other communication means (e.g., e-mail, file transferprotocol). For example, in one embodiment, the damage prevention data isautomatically transmitted from the computer or device on which it wasgenerated, via the network 15, to the shipping entity server 20, whereit is received by the damage prevention module 300.

Next, at step 306, the damage prevention module 300 stores the damageprevention data in the database 30. Doing so preserves a record of thedata on which the damage prevention evaluation is based, thus allowingthe shipping entity or, if provided access, the shipper to refer back tothe damage prevention data in the future.

Next, at step 308, the damage prevention module 300 updates the shippercertification profile 260. FIG. 13 shows the updated shippercertification profile 260 as viewed at the damage prevention evaluationlevel. As is illustrated, at the damage prevention evaluation level, theshipper certification profile 260 indicates the status of the damageprevention evaluation (e.g., pass, fail, or pending) for eachproduct-package combination and provides a link to the packagelaboratory report associated with each product-package combination. Forexample, in accordance with the package laboratory report 270 describedabove, the shipper certification profile 260 indicates that the “A2” boxtype containing product “42” failed its damage prevention evaluation andprovides a link to the package laboratory report 270. In addition, thelinks to the package laboratory reports allow shippers to view theanalysis of each submitted package configuration and identify how toimprove their packaging.

In the illustrated embodiment, the certification process requires thatall packages submitted for damage prevention evaluation receive apassing score for the shipper to receive certification of its transportpackaging system. Accordingly, as the combination of the “A2” packagetype and product type “42” failed its damage prevention evaluation, theshipper certification profile 260 indicates that the overall “EvaluationStatus” of the damage prevention evaluation 910 for shipper “867,” the“ABC Company,” is “fail.” This is also indicated at the certificationlevel view of the shipper certification profile 260 shown in FIG. 10B.In other embodiments, the passage by all packages of all tests is notrequired.

Finally, at step 310, the damage prevention module 300 reviews thedamage prevention data stored in step 306 to determine if the damageprevention evaluation 910 is complete. For example, in embodiments wherethe certification process requires a damage prevention evaluation forthe heaviest and most fragile package configurations associated witheach box type, the damage prevention module 300 is configured to reviewthe damage prevention data and determine whether a completed packagelaboratory report and damage prevention status has been stored for theheaviest and most fragile configurations of each box type used by agiven shipper. In addition, the damage prevention module 300 is furtherconfigured to generate an alert upon determining that the damageprevention evaluation 910 has been completed. Similar to the alertgenerated by the data acquisition module 200 in step 208, the alert maybe in the form of an email, text message, or user interface message.

Alternative Embodiments of the Damage Prevention Module

In addition to the embodiments described above, other embodiments of thedamage prevention module are contemplated as described below. Analternative set of steps that may be executed by the damage preventionmodule are described below. The following steps detail the stepsexecuted by the damage prevention module in receiving and assessing theresults of damage prevention tests performed in accordance with ISTAstandards.

In a first step, the damage prevention module initiates an atmosphericconditions test. In one embodiment, this step may be accomplished bycommunicating authorization to begin the test to the first evaluationcomputer 10, being used by a package lab technician. According toanother embodiment, this first step may be accomplished by sending aninstruction to an automated testing apparatus to start the test. Inanother embodiment, this step may be omitted and the process may beginat the second step described below.

In one embodiment, the atmospheric conditions test may be performed by agroup of trained technicians. For example, a technician, either manuallyor with the aid of an apparatus, may place a sample package in a testingchamber exposing the package to controlled temperature and humidityconditions. After a certain period of time, the technicians may inspectthe condition of the sample package and its contents and report theirfindings in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the technicians mayassign a numerical atmospheric conditions test score based on theirobservations of the sample package's performance. According to anotherembodiment, the technicians may simply assign a “pass” or “fail” scorebased on their observations. In yet another embodiment, the techniciansmay make detailed measurements of the sample package before and aftertesting. In this embodiment, the technicians may measure dimensional orhumidity changes to the sample package resulting from the test. Forexample, the technicians may measure humidity changes by placing ahumidity sensor inside the sample package and measuring the change inhumidity inside the package or by weighing the sample package at theconclusion of the test and determining the amount of moisture absorbedby the package. In certain embodiments, the effect of atmosphericconditions on the sample package may be measured by conducting shocktests and vibration tests, such as drop-testing the sample package orplacing the sample package on a vibration table, after the samplepackage has been conditioned by the atmospheric conditions test.Conducting the damage prevention tests in this order may allowtechnicians to observe the effect of atmospheric conditions on thestructural integrity of the sample package and its ability to protectits contents.

According to another embodiment, the atmospheric conditions test may beperformed automatically by an automated testing apparatus. For example,a robotic apparatus may be configured to place a sample package in thetesting chamber and assess dimensional or humidity changes to thepackage resulting from the test. This may be accomplished, for example,by three-dimensional scanning and modeling software, humidity sensors,and weight scales. The robotic apparatus may then report itsmeasurements directly, or may use programmed logic to report a numericalatmospheric conditions test score or pass/fail score based on themeasurements. In certain embodiments, the robotic apparatus may alsotest the effect of atmospheric conditions on the sample package byconducting shock tests and vibration tests, such as drop-testing thesample package or placing the sample package on a vibration table, afterthe sample package has been conditioned by the atmospheric conditionstest.

Next, the damage prevention module receives the results of theatmospheric conditions test. In one embodiment, the results obtained inthe atmospheric conditions test may be transmitted to the damageprevention module from the first evaluation computer 10 via the network15 and the shipping entity server 20. The first evaluation computer 10may transmit the results automatically or in response to manual dataentry by a technician. According to another embodiment, these resultsmay be transmitted directly from an automated testing apparatusconducting the atmospheric conditions testing via the network 15 andshipping entity server 20. Upon receipt of the atmospheric conditionsdata, the damage prevention module stores the data in the database 30.

Next, the damage prevention module evaluates the results of theatmospheric conditions tests. According to various embodiments, thedamage prevention module may be programmed to evaluate the results ofthe atmospheric conditions test in different ways depending on how theresults are reported. For example, if the atmospheric conditions testresults are reported as a “pass” or “fail” score, the damage preventionmodule may be configured to store that score without further evaluation.If the atmospheric conditions test results are reported as a singlenumerical score, the damage prevention module may be configured to storethe numerical score without further evaluation or assign a “pass” or“fail” score to the atmospheric conditions test based on a pre-definedthreshold score. For example, the shipping entity may specify that on ascoring scale of 1-5, scores of 3 and higher are passing. If theatmospheric conditions test results are reported as raw technical data,such as dimensional or humidity measurements, the damage preventionmodule may be configured to plug the measurements into one or morepre-defined equations or algorithms and return a numerical or pass/failscore for the atmospheric conditions test. For example, if the resultsof the atmospheric conditions test include humidity measurements fromthe interior of the sample package taken before and after the test, thedamage prevention module may be plug both measurements into an equationto measure the percentage change in humidity. The damage preventionmodule may then compare the result of this calculation to a pre-definedstandard and assign a numerical or pass/fail score accordingly.According to various embodiments, the damage prevention module is alsoconfigured to store its evaluation of the atmospheric conditions testresults in the database 30.

Next, the damage prevention module initiates a shock test. In oneembodiment, this step may be accomplished by communicating authorizationto begin the test to the first evaluation computer 10 being used by apackage lab technician. According to another embodiment, the damageprevention module sends an instruction to an automated testing apparatusto start the test.

Next, the damage prevention module receives the results of the shocktest. In one embodiment, the shock test may be performed by a group oftrained technicians. For example, a technician may drop the samplepackage onto a surface from a fixed height or drop other objects ontothe sample package. The technician may accomplish this manually or withthe aid of an apparatus. After a certain period of time, the techniciansmay inspect the condition of the sample package and its contents andreport their findings in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, thetechnicians may assign a numerical shock test score based on theirobservations of the sample package's performance. According to anotherembodiment, the technicians may simply assign a “pass” or “fail” scorebased on their observations. In yet another embodiment, the techniciansmay make detailed measurements of the sample package before and aftertesting. For example, the technicians may measure dimensional changes tothe sample package resulting from the test or measure the structuralintegrity of the sample package. Similar measurements may be made to thesample package's contents.

According to another embodiment, the shock test may be performedautomatically by an automated testing apparatus. For example, a roboticapparatus may be configured to drop the sample package onto a surfacefrom a fixed height or drop other objects onto the sample package andassess dimensional or structural integrity changes to the packageresulting from the test. This may be accomplished, for example, bythree-dimensional scanning and modeling software. The robotic apparatusmay then report its measurements directly, or may use programmed logicto report a numerical shock test score or pass/fail score based on themeasurements.

In various embodiments, the results obtained in the shock test may betransmitted to the damage prevention module from the first evaluationcomputer 10 via the network 15 and shipping entity server 20. The firstevaluation computer 10 may transmit the results automatically or inresponse to manual data entry by a technician. According to anotherembodiment, these results may be transmitted directly from an automatedtesting apparatus conducting the shock testing via the network 15 andshipping entity server 20. Upon receipt of the shock test data, thedamage prevention module stores the data in the database 30.

Next, the damage prevention module evaluates the results of the shocktest. According to various embodiments, the damage prevention module maybe programmed to evaluate the results of the shock test in differentways depending on how the results are reported. For example, if theshock test results are reported as a “pass” or “fail” score, the damageprevention module may be configured to store that score without furtherevaluation. If the shock test results are reported as a single numericalscore, the damage prevention module may be configured to store thenumerical score without further evaluation or assign a “pass” or “fail”score to the shock test based on a pre-defined threshold score. Forexample, the shipping entity may specify that on a scoring scale of 1-5,scores of 3 and higher are passing. If the shock test results arereported as raw technical data, such as dimensional measurements, thedamage prevention module may be configured to plug the measurements intoone or more pre-defined equations or algorithms and return a numericalor pass/fail score for the shock test. For example, if the results ofthe shock test include dimensional measurements of the sample packagetaken before and after the test, the damage prevention module may beplug both measurements into an equation to measure the percentage changeof a certain dimension of the sample package. The damage preventionmodule may then compare the result of this calculation to a pre-definedstandard and assign a numerical or pass/fail score accordingly.According to various embodiments, the damage prevention module is alsoconfigured to store its evaluation of the shock test results in thedatabase 30.

Next, the damage prevention module initiates a vibration test. In oneembodiment, this step may be accomplished by communicating authorizationto begin the test to the first evaluation computer 10 being used by apackage lab technician. According to another embodiment, the damageprevention module sends an instruction to an automated testing apparatusto start the test.

Next, the damage prevention module receives the results of the vibrationtest. In one embodiment, the vibration test may be performed by a groupof trained technicians. For example, a technician may place a samplepackage on a vibration table for extended periods. After a certainperiod of time, the technicians may inspect the condition of the samplepackage and its contents and report their findings in a variety of ways.In another embodiment, the technicians may apply a compressive force tothe sample package while it is on the vibration table. This may beaccomplished, for example, by placing a weight on top of the package.

In one embodiment, the technicians may assign a numerical vibration testscore based on their observations of the sample package's performance.According to another embodiment, the technicians may simply assign a“pass” or “fail” score based on their observations. In yet anotherembodiment, the technicians may make detailed measurements of the samplepackage before and after testing. For example, the technicians maymeasure dimensional changes to the closure means of the sample packageresulting from the test or measure the structural integrity of thesample package. Similar measurements may be made to the sample package'scontents.

According to another embodiment, the vibration test may be performedautomatically by an automated testing apparatus. For example, a roboticapparatus may be configured to place a sample package on a vibrationtable for extended periods and assess dimensional or structuralintegrity changes to the package resulting from the test. This may beaccomplished, for example, by three-dimensional scanning and modelingsoftware. The robotic apparatus may then report its measurementsdirectly, or may use programmed logic to report a numerical vibrationtest score or pass/fail score based on the measurements.

In one embodiment, the results obtained in the vibration test may betransmitted to the damage prevention module from the first evaluationcomputer 10 via the network 15 and shipping entity server 20. The firstevaluation computer 10 may transmit the results automatically or inresponse to manual data entry by a technician. According to anotherembodiment, these results may be transmitted directly from an automatedtesting apparatus conducting the vibration testing via the network 15and shipping entity server 20. Upon receipt of the vibration test data,the damage prevention module stores the data in the database 30.

Next, the damage prevention module evaluates the results of thevibration test. According to various embodiments, the damage preventionmodule may be programmed to evaluate the results of the vibration testin different ways depending on how the results are reported. Forexample, if the vibration test results are reported as a “pass” or“fail” score, the damage prevention module may be configured to storethat score without further evaluation. If the vibration test results arereported as a single numerical score, the damage prevention module maybe configured to store the numerical score without further evaluation orassign a “pass” or “fail” score to the vibration test based on apre-defined threshold score. For example, the shipping entity mayspecify that on a scoring scale of 1-5, scores of 3 and higher arepassing. If the vibration test results are reported as raw technicaldata, such as dimensional or structural integrity measurements, thedamage prevention module may be configured to plug the measurements intoone or more pre-defined equations or algorithms and return a numericalor pass/fail score for the vibration test. For example, if the resultsof the vibration test include dimensional measurements of the samplepackage taken before and after the test, the damage prevention modulemay plug both measurements into an equation to measure the percentagechange of a certain dimension of the sample package. The damageprevention module may then compare the result of this calculation to apre-defined standard and assign a numerical or pass/fail scoreaccordingly. According to various embodiments, the damage preventionmodule is also configured to store its evaluation of the vibration testresults in the database 30.

Finally, the damage prevention module evaluates the atmosphericconditions test score, the shock test score, and the vibration testscore to return an overall damage prevention evaluation. According tovarious embodiments, the damage prevention module may be programmed toevaluate the results of the various damage prevention tests in differentways depending on how the results are reported. For example, if eachtest score is reported as a “pass” or “fail” score, the damageprevention module may be configured to assign a pass/fail score to thedamage prevention evaluation based on a pre-defined standard set by theshipping entity. For example, the shipping entity may specify that asample package must pass all three damage prevention tests in order toachieve a passing damage prevention evaluation. If the damage preventiontest scores are reported as a single numerical scores, the damageprevention module may be configured assign an overall “pass” or “fail”score to the damage prevention evaluation based on a pre-defined averagethreshold score. For example, the shipping entity may specify that on ascoring scale of 1-5, an average score for all damage prevention testsof 3 and higher is passing. The damage prevention module may also beconfigured to store the average of the damage prevention test scoreswithout assigning an overall pass/fail score for the damage preventionevaluation. According to various embodiments, the damage preventionmodule is also configured to store its evaluation of the damageprevention test results in the database 30.

As would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, the basiclogic of the damage prevention module may be altered to fit thepreferences of the shipping entity. In one embodiment, the shock testdescribed above may be repeated after the completion of the atmosphericconditions test, a first shock test, and the vibration test. In otherembodiments, the tests of the damage prevention evaluation may becompleted in a different order. In further embodiments, the damageprevention evaluation may include only a subset of the tests describedabove. In additional embodiments, the damage prevention module may beconfigured to incorporate tests which differ from the exemplary damageprevention tests discussed above. In another embodiment, the damageprevention module may be configured to stop its evaluation if a samplepackage fails any particular damage prevention test. In yet anotherembodiment, the results of each damage prevention test included in thedamage prevention evaluation may be weighted based on, for example,environmental importance. In other embodiments, the damage preventionmodule may be configured to evaluate the results of each damageprevention tests after all tests have been completed. In various otherembodiments, the standard threshold scores and criteria used by thedamage prevention module may be altered and defined by the shippingentity to meet the shipping entity's preferences for the evaluation.According to various embodiments, other criteria may be added to orsubstituted into the basic framework of the damage prevention module.

In various embodiments, the damage evaluations (e.g., atmosphericconditions, shock, and vibration evaluations) may be performed insequence on each individual sample package. In other embodiments, eachdamage evaluation may be performed on a separate package sample.

Volume Efficiency Module

According to various embodiments, the volume efficiency module 400 isconfigured to retrieve pre-evaluation volume efficiency data, performthe volume efficiency evaluation 920 based on the retrieved data, andgenerate volume efficiency data indicating the volumetric efficiency ofone or more sample packages. As described above, the volume efficiencyevaluation 920 assesses the volumetric efficiency of variousproduct-package combinations present in the transport packaging systemof a shipper. In general, the volume efficiency module 400 performs thisevaluation by calculating product-to-package volume ratios for eachevaluated sample product-package combination and comparing thecalculated ratios to a pre-defined threshold.

FIG. 14 shows steps executed by the volume efficiency module 400according one embodiment. Beginning at step 402, the volume efficiencymodule 400 retrieves the pre-evaluation data necessary for the volumeefficiency evaluation 920 from the database 30. In one embodiment, thevolume efficiency module 400 is configured to perform this step inresponse to a user request (e.g., user input received from one of theevaluation computers 10, 12, 14). The pre-evaluation volume efficiencydata may include, for example, the data provided in the fields of theproduct-package dimension information form 254, which specifies for eachproduct-package combination the dimensions of the package type (e.g.,length, width, and height), the dimensions of the product type (e.g.,length, width, and height), fragility class of the product type (e.g.,fragile, rugged, delicate), and the packing configuration of the productwithin the package (e.g., standard pack or pick and pack).

In the illustrated embodiment, the dimensions of the box type arerepresentative of the internal volume of the package (i.e., theavailable space within a package a product may fit in). The dimensionsof the product type are representative of the rectangular volume of theproduct. The rectangular volume is equivalent to the volume of thesmallest right rectangular cuboid capable of enclosing the product. Forexample, the rectangular volume of a spherical object (e.g., abasketball) having a diameter of 10 inches would be equal to the be 1000cubic inches (i.e., 10 in. (length)×10 in. (height)×10 in. (width)). Aswill be described in more detail below, in one embodiment, the volume ofproducts shipped within tubular packages (e.g., posters) is notconsidered in the volume efficiency evaluation 920.

The fragility class indicated for each product in the product-packagedimension information form 254 represents the level of fragility of eachproduct type. In the illustrated embodiment, product types areclassified as “Rugged,” “Semi-Rugged,” “Semi-Delicate,” “Delicate,” or“Fragile.” Similarly, the packing configuration indicated for eachproduct in the product-package dimension information form 254 representsthe manner in which each product is packed within its associatedpackage. In the illustrated embodiment, the packing configuration ofeach product is represented as “standard pack” or “pick and pack.”“Standard pack” indicates that the product is packaged as part of astandardized package of products (e.g., a case of soft drinks) having arecurring size and volume and, as such, is frequently shipped within apackage type configured for shipping that particular product. As will bediscussed in more detail below, products shipped with a standard packconfiguration may be held to a higher volume efficiency standard, as thepackage type can be easily tailored to the product due the standardizedsize of the product's packaging and the recurring shipment of thatproduct. “Pick and pack” indicates that the product is packagedindividually, or with other products, in a package type configured formore general use (e.g., a single picture frame). Products shipped withthe pick and pack configuration may be held to a lower volume efficiencystandard as shippers cannot be expected to have specifically designedpackage types for all of their combinations of products, particularlythose that are shipped intermittently in response to specific customerdemand.

Next, at step 404, the volume efficiency module 400 calculates theproduct-to-package ratio for each (non-tubular) product-packagecombination provided in the pre-evaluation volume efficiency data. Forexample, in the embodiment described above in which the pre-evaluationvolume efficiency data includes the dimensions of the box type andproduct type for each product-package combination, the volume efficiencymodule 400 automatically calculates the relevant volume of the productand the package, then divides the calculated volume of the product bythe calculated volume of the package. As will be described in moredetail below, in the illustrated embodiment, a product-to-package ratiomay not calculated for product-package combinations in which the packageis tubular. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art,the volume efficiency module 400 may be configured to determine theproduct-to-package ratios of each product-package combination based onother data (e.g., data specifying volumes as opposed to dimensions) anddata presented in varying units of measure (e.g., millimeters as opposedto inches).

Next, at step 406, the volume efficiency module 400 calculates theaverage product-to-package ratio for all of the product-packagecombinations represented in pre-evaluation volume efficiency data. Inone embodiment, this is accomplished by summing all of theproduct-to-package ratios and dividing by the number of product-packagecombinations represented in the pre-evaluation volume efficiency data.

Next, at step 408, the volume efficiency module 400 calculates anoverall average threshold score for the volume efficiency evaluation 920based on the fragility classes and packing configurations of allproduct-package combinations. In one embodiment, this is accomplished byassigning an individual threshold score to each product-packagecombination. The volume efficiency module 400 accomplishes this byreferencing a look-up table of threshold scores arranged by fragilityclass and packing configuration. FIG. 15A shows an example thresholdscore look-up table. The volume efficiency module then averages all ofthe individual threshold scores assigned to the product-packagecombinations. The result represents the overall average threshold scorefor the volume efficiency evaluation 920.

Next, at step 410, the volume efficiency module 400 compares the averageproduct-to-package ratio calculated in step 406 to the overall averagethreshold score calculated in step 408. If the averageproduct-to-package ratio meets or exceeds the average threshold score,the volume efficiency module 400 determines that the shipper's transportpackaging system has passed the volume efficiency evaluation 920. If theaverage product-to-package ratio is less than the average thresholdscore, the volume efficiency module 400 determines that the shipper'stransport packaging system has failed the volume efficiency evaluation920.

Next, at step 412, the volume efficiency module 400 stores the volumeefficiency data (e.g., the calculated volumes, product-to-packageratios, and pass/fail determination) in the database 30. As describedabove in relation to the damage prevention module 300, storing thevolume efficiency data preserves a record of all data on which thedamage prevention evaluation is based, thus allowing the shipping entityor, if provided access, the shipper to refer back to the volumeefficiency data in the future.

Next, at step 414, the volume efficiency module 400 updates the shippercertification profile 260. FIG. 16 shows an updated shippercertification profile 260 as viewed at the volume efficiency level. Asillustrated, at the volume efficiency level, the shipper certificationprofile 260 indicates the overall status of the volume efficiencyevaluation (e.g., pass, fail, or pending), the calculated averageproduct-to-package ratio, the overall average thresholdproduct-to-package ratio, and data pertaining to each of theproduct-package combinations (e.g., the calculated product-to-packageratio for each combination). Finally, at step 416, the volume efficiencymodule 400 notifies the shipping entity that the volume efficiencyevaluation 920 has been completed (e.g., by generating an alert). Forexample, in certain embodiments, the volume efficiency module 400generates an alert in the form of an email, text message, or userinterface message.

Alternative Embodiments of the Volume Efficiency Module

In addition to the embodiments described above, an alternativeembodiment of the volume efficiency module 400 is contemplated asdescribed below.

According to certain embodiments, the volume efficiency module isconfigured to receive and assess data resulting from the volumeefficiency evaluation of a sample package. In one embodiment, the volumeefficiency evaluation may include a product-to-package volume test. Theproduct-to-package volume test may be based on a calculation of thesample package's product-to-package volume ratio, which represents thequotient of the volume of a product being shipped divided by the volumeof a sample package used to ship the product. In conjunction with thedamage prevention evaluation, this ratio may be used to evaluate thevolumetric efficiency of a sample package. From an environmentalstandpoint, packages having a high product-to-package volume ratio arepreferred as long as they have acceptable damage prevention evaluations.Accordingly, the volume efficiency module is configured to receive datapertaining to the product-to-package volume ratio of a sample packageand evaluate the data in terms of the sample package's damage preventionevaluation.

First, the volume efficiency module initiates a product-to-packagevolume test. In one embodiment, this step may be accomplished bycommunicating authorization to begin the test to the second evaluationcomputer 20, which may be used by a package lab technician. According toanother embodiment, the first step may be accomplished by sending aninstruction to an automated testing apparatus to start the test. In oneembodiment, the product-to-package volume test may be performed manuallyby trained technicians. For example, a technician may take volumetricmeasurements of the sample package and its contents. The volumemeasurement of the product may represent the volume of the physicalspace occupied by the product within the sample package. For example,the relevant volume of a one liter pitcher would be equivalent to thesum of the displacement of the pitcher itself and the volume of itsliquid-holding cavity. The relevant volume of a sample package may beits interior or exterior volume depending on the preferences of theshipping entity. In one embodiment, the technician may report theresults of the product-to-package volume test as raw measurements. Inanother embodiment, the technician may calculate the product-to-packagevolume ratio and report the ratio, a numerical score, or pass/fail scorebased on the calculation.

According to another embodiment, the product-to-package volume test maybe performed automatically by an automated testing apparatus. Forexample, a robotic apparatus may be configured to make dimensionalmeasurements of the sample package and its contents. This may beaccomplished, for example, by three-dimensional scanning and modelingsoftware. The robotic apparatus may then report its measurementsdirectly to the volume efficiency module. In another embodiment, theapparatus may calculate the product-to-package volume ratio and reportthe ratio, a numerical score, or pass/fail score based on thecalculation. In yet another embodiment, the shipper providing the samplepackage may provide the necessary data (e.g., drawings, solid models,volumetric calculations) representing the relevant volumetricmeasurements.

Next, the volume efficiency module receives the results of theproduct-to-package volume test. In one embodiment, the results obtainedin the product-to-package volume test may be transmitted to the volumeefficiency module from a first evaluation computer 10 via the network 15and shipping entity server 20. According to another embodiment, theseresults may be transmitted directly from an automated testing apparatusconducting the product-to-package volume testing via the network 15 andshipping entity server 20. Upon receipt of the product-to-package volumetest data, the volume efficiency module stores the data in the database30.

Next, the volume efficiency module evaluates the results of theproduct-to-package volume test. According to various embodiments, thevolume efficiency module may be configured to evaluate the results ofthe product-to-package volume test in different ways depending on howthe results are reported. In one embodiment, the results of theproduct-to-package volume test may be a pass/fail score assigned to thesample package by a technician or apparatus. In this embodiment, thevolume efficiency module may be configured to store the result withoutfurther evaluation. In another embodiment, the results of theproduct-to-package volume test may be a numerical score assigned to thesample package by the technician or apparatus. In this embodiment, thevolume efficiency module may be configured to either store the resultwithout further evaluation or assign a pass/fail score for theproduct-to-package volume test based on a threshold score defined by theshipping entity. For example, the shipping entity may specify that forscores scaled 1-5, scores of 3 and higher are passing.

In yet another embodiment, the results of the product-to-package volumetest may be raw data representing volumetric measurements of the samplepackage and its contents. In this embodiment, the volume efficiencymodule may be configured to evaluate the measurements in terms of thesample package's product-to-package volume ratio and the results of thesample package's damage prevention evaluation. For example, the shippingentity may specify a sample package receiving a passing volumeefficiency score must either: (1) achieve a minimum product-to-packagevolume ratio and pass its damage prevention evaluation, or (2) show thatits product-to-package volume ratio may not be reasonably reducedwithout failing the damage prevention evaluation.

To make this determination, the volume efficiency module may beconfigured to calculate the product-to-package volume ratio of thesample package in accordance with the equation below:

${{Product}\mspace{14mu} {to}\mspace{14mu} {Package}\mspace{14mu} {Volume}\mspace{14mu} {Ratio}} = \left( \frac{{Volume}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Product}}{{Volume}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Package}} \right)$

According to another embodiment, the product-to-package volume ratio maybe calculated by a package lab technician or automated testingapparatus. In this embodiment, the volume efficiency module wouldreceive the product-to-package volume ratio directly. The volumeefficiency module may be configured to compare the calculatedproduct-to-package volume ratio to the standard ratio set by theshipping entity and to determine if the sample package has passed itsdamage prevention evaluation by checking the data stored for the samplepackage in the database 30. If the volume efficiency module determinesthat both criteria are satisfied, it may return a “pass” score for theproduct-to-package volume test.

In another embodiment, the volume efficiency module may be configured toreturn a numerical score based on the difference between the samplepackage's product-to-package volume ratio and the standard ratiospecified by the shipping entity. For example, the volume efficiencymodule may be configured to return a score of 5 if the sample package'sproduct-to-package volume ratio is 10% or more greater than the standardratio, 4 if it is 5% greater, 3 if it substantially meets the standardratio, 2 if it is no more than 10% less than the standard ratio, 1 if itis no more than 20% less than the standard ratio, and 0 if it is morethan 20% less than the standard ratio.

If the sample package's product-to-package volume ratio is less than thestandard, the volume efficiency module must determine whether the samplepackage's product-to-package volume ratio may be reasonably reducedwithout failing the damage prevention evaluation. The volume efficiencymodule may make this determination in a variety of ways. In oneembodiment, the volume efficiency module may request that the shippersubmit a sample package of slightly reduced volume to be evaluated forits damage prevention capabilities. In another embodiment, the volumeefficiency module may receive such a determination by trainedtechnicians by way of an indication sent from the second evaluationcomputer 12 via the network 15 and shipping entity server 20. In yetanother embodiment, the volume efficiency module may compare the samplepackage's damage prevention scores, stored in the database 30, to thescores required to pass the damage prevention evaluation. If the samplepackage passed the damage prevention evaluation by a score margin equalto or less than a predetermined threshold, the volume efficiency modulemay determine that reducing the product-to-package volume ratio willlikely cause the sample package to fail the damage prevention test. Inyet another embodiment, the shipping entity may specify a numericalindex applied to all sample packages based on the fragility of thesample package's contents. In this embodiment, the volume efficiencymodule may be configured to adjust the minimum requiredproduct-to-package volume ratio based on the sample package's fragilityindex.

Finally, the volume efficiency module evaluates the volume efficiencytest scores to return an overall volume efficiency evaluation. In oneembodiment, the product-to-package volume test is the only volumeefficiency test. Accordingly, the volume efficiency module may beconfigured to report the product-to-package volume test score as theoverall volume efficiency score. However, according to otherembodiments, the volume efficiency evaluation comprises additionaltests. In these embodiments, the volume efficiency module may beprogrammed to evaluate the results of the volume efficiency tests indifferent ways depending on how the results are reported. For example,if each test score is reported as a “pass” or “fail” score, the volumeefficiency module may be configured to assign a pass/fail score to thevolume efficiency evaluation based on a pre-defined standard set by theshipping entity. For example, the shipping entity may specify that asample package must pass all volume efficiency tests in order to achievea passing volume efficiency evaluation. If the volume efficiency testscores are reported as a single numerical scores, the volume efficiencymodule may be configured to assign an overall “pass” or “fail” score tothe volume efficiency evaluation based on a pre-defined averagethreshold score. For example, the shipping entity may specify that on ascoring scale of 1-5, an average score for all volume efficiency testsof 3 and higher is passing. The volume efficiency module may also beconfigured to store the average of the volume efficiency test scoreswithout assigning an overall pass/fail score for the volume efficiencyevaluation. According to various embodiments, the volume efficiencymodule is also configured to store its evaluation of the volumeefficiency test results in the database 30.

As would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, the basiclogic of the volume efficiency module may be altered to fit thepreferences of the shipping entity. In certain embodiments, the volumeefficiency module may be configured to incorporate additional testswhich differ from the product-to-package volume test described above. Inone embodiment, the volume efficiency module may be configured to stopits evaluation if a sample package fails any particular volumeefficiency test. In yet another embodiment, the results of each volumeefficiency test included in the volume efficiency evaluation may beweighted based on, for example, environmental importance. In variousother embodiments, the standard threshold scores and criteria used bythe volume efficiency module may be altered and defined by the shippingentity to meet the shipping entity's preferences for the evaluation.According to various embodiments, other criteria may be added to orsubstituted into the basic framework of the volume efficiency module.

Package Materials Module

According to various embodiments, the package materials module 500 isconfigured to perform the package materials evaluation 930 based on avariety of pre-evaluation package materials data. As described above,the package materials evaluation 930 assesses the sustainability of thematerials used to construct various package configurations utilized in ashipper's transport packaging system. In general, the package materialsmodule 500 performs the package materials evaluation 930 by calculating,based on the pre-evaluation package materials data, an overall packagematerials score for each evaluated package configuration and comparingthe calculated score to a predefined threshold score.

The package materials score calculated by the package materials module500 is designed to provide a gauge of the overall sustainability of thematerials used in a given package configuration. For example, if a givenpackage configuration makes use of a certain material that requires arelatively low amount of fossil fuels to manufacture, that aspect of thepackage configuration will serve to increase the overall packagematerials score. However, if the same package configuration uses more ofthe certain material than is necessary (e.g., the walls of the packageare unnecessarily dense), that aspect of the package configuration willserve to decrease the overall package materials score. As will bedescribed in more detail below, by accounting for the various positiveand negative sustainability traits of materials used to construct eachevaluated package, the package materials score provides a metric bywhich to judge the sustainability of a wide variety of packagesconstructed from a wide variety of materials.

FIG. 17 shows steps executed by the package materials module 500according to one embodiment. Beginning at step 502, the packagematerials module 500 selects a package configuration to evaluate. In oneembodiment, the package materials module 500 is configured to performthis step in response to a user request (e.g., user input received fromone of the evaluation computers 10, 12, 14) specifying a particularconfiguration of a particular box type. In another embodiment, thepackage materials module 500 automatically selects a packageconfiguration to evaluate based on user-specified parameters. Forexample, a package evaluation system 5 user may specify that the packagematerials evaluation 930 shall be conducted for the heaviestconfiguration and most fragile configuration of each box type. Inaccordance with such parameters, the package materials module 500 willidentify, for each box type used by the shipper, the heaviestconfiguration and the most fragile configuration based on pre-evaluationdata submitted by the user (e.g., the damage prevention packageinformation form 252). The package materials module 500 will thenautomatically select for evaluation one of the identified packageconfigurations that have not yet been evaluated.

Next, in step 503, the package materials module 500 displays a packagematerials calculator user interface (e.g., via a monitor associated withthe one of the evaluation computers 10, 12, 14). FIG. 18 shows anexemplary package materials calculator user interface 280 configured toallow a user to interact with the calculation functions of the packagematerials module 500. As illustrated, in calculating a package materialsscore for a selected package configuration, the package materials module500 takes into account a variety of sustainability properties for eachof the materials comprising the selected package configuration. Forexample, the user interface 280 divides materials into “shippingcontainer” materials (e.g., the materials used to construct the box typeof the selected package configuration) and “internal materials” (e.g.,the materials positioned within the box type to provide additionalproduct protection). The internal materials are further divided by theirrespective purpose (e.g., “fill,” “divider,” “wrap”).

For each identified material, the user interface 280 provides aplurality of data fields corresponding to various physical attributes,efficiency attributes, and environmental impact attributes of eachmaterial. For example, physical attributes of the various materials mayinclude measures of a material's weight (e.g., pounds per square foot),thickness (e.g., millimeters), and/or density (e.g., pounds per cubicfoot). The efficiency attributes of each material may include whetherthe material was obtained from a source within 100 miles of its assemblypoint, whether the material is biodegradable in a composting facility orbackyard environment, whether the material may be recycled widely or ina limited capacity, the number of times the material may be reused forits intended purpose, whether the material is comprised of a renewableresource, and the percentage of the material comprised of recycledcontent. The environmental impact attributes may include variousrelative measures of the fossil fuel consumption, greenhouse gasemissions, water consumption, biotic resource consumption, aquatictoxicity, mineral consumption, and eutrophication of each material. Aswill be described in more detail below, the environmental impactattributes may be accounted for in conjunction with one or more of thephysical attributes a package configuration described above (e.g., theweight or thickness of the material).

Next, in step 504, the package materials module 500 automaticallypopulates certain fields in the user interface 280 by retrievingpre-evaluation package materials data for the package configurationselected in step 502. In one embodiment, the package materials module500 accomplishes this by first determining the materials comprising theselected package configuration from the pre-evaluation package materialsdata (e.g., based on data received in the package materials informationform 256). The package materials module 500 then retrieves datacorresponding to the appropriate data fields in the user interface 280for each identified material from the database 30.

At least a portion of the data used to populate the user interface 280is retrieved from the pre-evaluation package materials data received andstored by the data acquisition module 200. In particular, various valuesfor the applicable physical attributes and efficiency attributes of eachpackage material are retrieved from data storage. For example, thepackage materials information form 256 includes a field for indicatingwhether a particular material is sourced from a supplier within 100miles of the package assembly point. If the shipper submits a completepackage materials information form 256, this information would beaccessibly stored in the database 30 by the data acquisition module 200as part of the pre-evaluation package materials data. According to otherembodiments, however, the fields of the package materials calculator 280may also be populated manually by a package evaluation system 5 user viaa computer (e.g., one of the evaluation computers 10, 12, 14).

Next, in step 505, the package materials module 500 calculates valuesfor the environmental impact attributes. The values for theenvironmental impact attributes of the various package materials (e.g.,shipping container materials, internal container/divider materials,internal wrap/film materials, internal cushion or fill materials) may becalculated based on the following general equation (herein “equationE1”):

${{Attribute}\mspace{14mu} {Value}} = {\left( {{Relative}\mspace{14mu} {Attribute}\mspace{14mu} {Value}} \right) \times \left( \frac{{Target}\mspace{14mu} {Material}\mspace{14mu} {Parameter}}{{Actual}\mspace{14mu} {Material}\mspace{14mu} {Parameter}} \right)}$

In regard to equation E1, the “relative attribute value” represents,with respect to a particular environmental impact attribute, therelative advantage of a particular material as compared to availablealternative materials. In one embodiment, the relative attribute valuefor a given material and given environmental impact attribute isretrieved from a lookup table of relative attribute values stored on thedatabase 30. For example, FIG. 19 shows a lookup table 285 of relativeattribute values for the fossil fuel consumption of various internalcushion and fill materials. The relative attribute values in the table285 represent, with respect to fossil fuel consumption, the relativeadvantage of each material as compared to alternative materials (with1.0 being the most desirable material). For example, Quilted Kraft Paper(material ID “4”) has a relative attribute value of “1.0” for fossilfuel consumption, indicating that—of all of the materials available foruse as internal cushioning or fill—Quilted Kraft Paper uses the leastamount of energy from fossil fuels in its manufacture. Likewise, aLow-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Air Pillow has a score of “0.5,”indicating that the manufacture of the LDPE Air Pillow consumes roughly50% more energy from fossil fuels than Quilted Kraft Paper. Theserelative consumption values are provided as examples for illustrativepurposes.

In certain embodiments, the package materials module 500 may be furtherconfigured to generate relative attribute value lookup tables (e.g., thelookup table 285) from other data. For example, in one embodiment, thepackage materials module 500 is configured to calculate the relativefossil fuel consumption values shown in the lookup table 285 from actualfossil fuel consumption data for each material (e.g., data specifyingthe megajoules of fossil fuel consumed for each material by weight). Theactual fossil fuel consumption data may be derived from any suitabledata source (e.g., the Sustainable Packaging Coalition's COMPASS onlinedesign software).

Referring back to the equation El, the material parameter ratio (targetmaterial parameter/actual material parameter) serves to adjust therelative attribute value based on a particular parameter of eachmaterial. In certain embodiments, the material parameter ratio mayrepresent a particular material parameter impacting the sustainabilityof a given material. For example, in one embodiment, the materialparameter for materials constructed from paper is the basis weight of agiven paper material (e.g., the “basis weight” attribute shown in FIG.18). Accordingly, the material parameter ratio for paper materials(e.g., corrugated paper) would then be equivalent to a target basisweight (e.g., the “box strength baseline” shown in FIG. 18) divided byan actual basis weight for a given material (e.g., 80 pounds perthousand feet squared for shipping container material “cont. 1” in FIG.18). In addition, the material parameter for plastic materials (e.g., aplastic container or plastic wrapping material) may be the thickness ofa given plastic material (e.g., the “plastic thickness” attribute shownin FIG. 18). The material parameter ratio for plastic materials wouldthen be equivalent to a target plastic thickness divided by an actualplastic thickness for a given material. In addition, the materialparameter for foam wrap materials may be the thickness of a given foamwrap material (e.g., the “foam thickness” attribute shown in FIG. 18).The material parameter ratio for foam wrap materials would then beequivalent to a target foam thickness divided by an actual foamthickness for a given material. In addition, the material parameter forsubstantially solid foam materials (e.g., Styrofoam) may be the densityof a given solid foam material (e.g., the “foam density” attribute shownin FIG. 18). The material parameter ratio for solid foam materials wouldthen be equivalent to a target foam density divided by an actual foamdensity for a given material.

In one embodiment, the user interface 280 includes fields that allow auser to manually input the various target and actual materialparameters. In another embodiment, the user interface 280 is configuredto automatically determine the target and actual material parametersbased on user input and/or stored data. For example, the user interface280 includes a “shipping container strength” section that allows a userto input the weight of a package configuration and automaticallyretrieves a target basis weight from a lookup table based on the inputpackage weight. In another embodiment, the package materials module 500automatically retrieves the package weight from the pre-evaluationpackage materials data. In addition, in one embodiment, the packagematerials module 500 retrieves actual material parameters and targetmaterial parameters for each material from the pre-evaluation packagematerials data and/or other data stored on the database 30.

In general, equation E1 is configured to reflect the general conceptthat the level of sustainability indicated by the relative attributevalue may be diminished if the package configuration uses a relativelylarge amount of the material or enhanced if the package configurationuses a relatively low amount of the material.

Next, at step 506, the package materials module 500 calculates anoverall package materials score for the package configuration selectedin step 502. To calculate the overall package materials score, thepackage materials module 500 first calculates a “total” score for eachidentified package material. In one embodiment, the total score for eachmaterial is calculated by summing the values of the efficiencyattributes (where one point is awarded for each “yes” indication, nopoints are awarded for each “no indication, and one point is awarded foreach indicated reuse) and the relative attribute values for eachenvironmental impact attribute. For example, in FIG. 18, the data formaterial “Fill 1” indicates five “yes” answers for the efficiencyattributes (totaling 5 points), one indicated reuse (totaling 1 point),and a relative attribute values for the environmental impact attributestotaling 1.2 points. When added together, material “Fill 1” has a totalof 7.2 points (as indicated in the “total” column of FIG. 18). It shouldbe understood that the fill material may be evaluated using equation E1.

Next, the package materials module 500 calculates an “adjusted total”score for each package material. This is accomplished by multiplyingeach material's total score by the percentage of the package's weight(for either the shipping container materials or internal materials)attributable to the material. For example, in FIG. 18, the only shippingcontainer material is material “cont. 1.” Accordingly, material “cont.1” accounts for 100% of the weight of the shipping container materialsand its total score is unadjusted. However, material “fill 1” accountsfor 60% of the total weight of the package configuration's internalmaterials. Accordingly, “adjusted total” score for material fill 1 is4.3 (i.e., 60% of 7.2).

Next, the package materials module 500 determines a “shipping containerscore” and “internal materials score” by summing the adjusted totalscores of all materials in each class. As shown in FIG. 18, the shippingcontainer score for the selected package configuration is 10.3, whilethe internal materials score is 7.6. Finally, the package materialsmodule determines the “overall package materials score” by averaging theshipping container score and the internal materials score. As such, theoverall package materials score for the selected package configurationin FIG. 18 is 9.0.

Next, in step 508, the package materials module 500 compares thecalculated overall package materials score for the selected packageconfiguration to a predefined package materials threshold score. Forexample, in one embodiment, a package evaluation system 5 user mayspecify the package materials threshold score as 9.0, with packageconfigurations having score greater than or equal to the thresholdsatisfying the package materials criteria. Accordingly, the packagematerials module 500 will assign a package configuration satisfying thethreshold a “pass” score and a package configuration not satisfying thethreshold a “fail” score.

Next, at step 510, the package materials module 500 stores all of thepackage materials data generated as part of the package materials scorecalculation in the database 30. This serves to preserve the data as arecord of the individual package materials evaluation of the selectedpackage configuration.

Next, at step 512, the package materials module 500 updates the shippercertification profile 260 with the results of the individual packagematerials evaluation of the selected package configuration. For example,FIG. 20 shows an updated version of the shipper certification profileviewed at the package materials evaluation level. As shown, the shippercertification profile 260 indicates the shipping container score,internal materials score, and overall package materials score for eachpackage configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the packagematerials module 500 is further configured to assign an overall pass orfail score for the package materials evaluation 930 of a shipper byreviewing the scores to each of a shipper's evaluated packageconfigurations. In one embodiment, a package evaluation system 5 usermay specify that all evaluated package configurations must receive apassing score in order for the shipper to pass the package materialsevaluation 930. According to other embodiments, the criteria may bealtered to require on a certain number of package configurations topass, or to average the overall package materials scores of allevaluated package configurations and compare the average score to acertain threshold.

Next, at step 514, the package materials module 500 determines whetheran overall package materials score has been calculated for all of thesample packages intended to be submitted by a shipper. If all packageconfigurations have not been tested, the package materials module 500moves back to step 502 to select another package configuration forevaluation and repeats steps 502-514. If all package configurations havebeen tested, the package materials module 500 generates a notification(e.g., email, text message, message via user interface) to the shippingentity that the package materials evaluation 930 is completed.

Alternative Embodiments of the Package Materials Module

In addition to the embodiments described above, an alternativeembodiment of the package materials module 500 is contemplated asdescribed below.

According to certain embodiments, the package materials module isconfigured to receive and assess data resulting from an evaluation ofthe packaging materials used to construct a sample package. The packagematerials evaluation may be conducted based on a variety of testcriteria relating to the materials used in the packaging. According tocertain embodiments, the package materials evaluation may consider therecycled content of packaging materials, the amount of packagingmaterial used, the reusability and recyclability of packaging materials,the recovery value of packaging materials, and the up-cycling potentialof packaging materials. In one embodiment, one or all of these testcriteria may be evaluated individually and the sample package may beassigned a numerical score for each criteria. An average of thenumerical scores for all test criteria may represent an overall scorefor the sample package's package materials evaluation. In anotherembodiment, the sample package may be assigned a “pass” or “fail” scorefor each test criteria, with a majority of passing scores required topass the package materials evaluation.

The package materials module may initiate a recycled content test andreceive recycled content data from the shipper. In one embodiment, thisstep may be accomplished by communicating authorization to enter data tothe shipper computer 16. Once initiated, the package materials modulemay receive data pertaining to the recycled content of a sample packagefrom the shipper computer 16. In one embodiment, this data may beentered by a shipper into the shipper computer 16. In anotherembodiment, this data may be stored on a shipper database accessible bythe shipper computer 16. The recycled content data is then stored in thedatabase 30, which is accessible by the third evaluation computer 14. Inone embodiment a package technician using the third evaluation computer14 may receive the recycled content data stored on the database 30, andexamine the sample package to confirm the presence of the claimedrecycled content.

Next, the package materials module evaluates the recycled content dataprovided by the shipper. In one embodiment, the package materials modulemay be configured to calculate the percentage of recycled content of thesample package. This percentage may be expressed as a percentage byweight in accordance with the equation below.

${{Percentage}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Recycled}\mspace{14mu} {Content}} = {\left( \frac{{Weight}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Recycled}\mspace{14mu} {Materials}\mspace{14mu} {used}\mspace{14mu} {in}\mspace{14mu} {Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Package}}{{Total}\mspace{14mu} {Weight}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Package}} \right) \times 100}$

For example, if the walls of a sample package are constructed ofrecycled cardboard weighing 12 ounces, the remaining materials used toconstruct the package are not recyclable, and the total weight of thepackage is 15 ounces, then the percentage of recycled content would be80%. In the context of the certification process, a high recycledcontent percentage may be favorable to a shipper. According to otherembodiments, the recycled content of a sample package may be expressedas a percentage by volume, as opposed to weight.

Based on the calculated percentage of recycled content, the packagematerials module may assign a recycled content test score to the samplepackage. In one embodiment, this score may be assigned based on adefined scale. For example, percentages of recycled content greater than80% may be assigned a score of 5, percentages between 79% and 60%assigned a score of 4, percentages between 59% and 40% a score of 3,percentages between 39% and 20% a score of 2, and percentages less than20% a score of 1. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art,this scale may be adjusted to allow for more or less demandingrequirements. Upon determining a recycled content test score, thepackage materials module stores the score in the database 30. In oneembodiment, the package materials module may also assign a “pass” or“fail” score for the recycled content test based on the calculatedrecycled content test score.

Next, the package materials module initiates a material efficiency testand receives material efficiency data from the shipper. In oneembodiment, this step may be accomplished by communicating authorizationto enter data to a shipper computer 16. Once initiated, the packagematerials module may receive data pertaining to the material efficiencyof a sample package from the shipper computer 16. In one embodiment,this data may be entered by a shipper into the shipper computer 16. Inanother embodiment, this data may be stored on a shipper databaseaccessible by the shipper computer 16 and transmitted to the packagematerials module. The material efficiency data is then stored in thedatabase 30, which is accessible by the third evaluation computer 14. Inone embodiment a package technician using the third evaluation computer14 may receive the material efficiency data stored on the database 30,and examine the sample package to confirm the accuracy of the materialefficiency data.

Next, the package materials module evaluates the material efficiencydata provided by the shipper. In one embodiment, the package materialsmodule may be configured to calculate the material efficiency ratio ofthe sample package. In one embodiment, this ratio may be expressed as aquotient in accordance with the equation below.

${{Material}\mspace{14mu} {Efficiency}\mspace{14mu} {Ratio}} = \left( \frac{{Interior}\mspace{14mu} {Volume}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Package}}{\begin{matrix}{{Volume}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Packaing}\mspace{14mu} {Materials}} \\{{Used}\mspace{14mu} {to}\mspace{14mu} {Construct}\mspace{14mu} {Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Package}}\end{matrix}\mspace{14mu}} \right)$

For example, if the total volume of packaging materials used toconstruct a sample package (e.g., cardboard, tape, ink, glue) is 50cubic centimeters and the interior volume of the sample package is 200cubic centimeters, the material efficiency ratio is 4 (or 4:1). In thecontext of the certification process, a high material efficiency ratiomay be favorable to the shipper. In another embodiment, the materialefficiency ratio may be expressed as a ratio of the interior volume ofthe sample package to the weight of the packaging materials used toconstruct the sample package.

Based on the calculated material efficiency ratio, the package materialsmodule may assign a material efficiency test score to the samplepackage. In one embodiment, this score may be assigned based on adefined scale. For example, material efficiency ratios greater than 40may be assigned a score of 5, ratios between 39 and 30 assigned a scoreof 4, ratios between 29 and 20 a score of 3, ratios between 19 and 10 ascore of 2, and ratios less than 10 a score of 1. As will be appreciatedby one of skill in the art, this scale may be adjusted to allow for moreor less demanding requirements. Upon determining a material efficiencyscore, the package materials module stores the score in the database 30.In one embodiment, the package materials module may also assign a “pass”or “fail” score for the material efficiency test based on the calculatedamount of packaging material score.

Next, the package materials module initiates a reusability andrecyclability test and receives reusability and recyclability data fromthe shipper. In one embodiment, this step may be accomplished bycommunicating authorization to enter data to the shipper computer 16.Once initiated, the package materials module may receive data pertainingto the reusability and recyclability of a sample package from theshipper computer 16. In one embodiment, this data may be entered by ashipper into the shipper computer 16. In another embodiment, this datamay be stored on a shipper database accessible by the shipper computer16 and transmitted to the package materials module. The reusability andrecyclability data is then stored in the database 30, which isaccessible by a third evaluation computer 14. In one embodiment apackage technician using the third evaluation computer 14 may receivethe reusability and recyclability data stored on the database 30, andexamine the sample package to confirm the presence of materials claimedto be reusable or recyclable.

Next, the package materials module evaluates the reusability andrecyclability data provided by the shipper. In one embodiment, thepackage materials module may be configured to calculate the reusabilityratio of the sample package. In one embodiment, this ratio may beexpressed as a quotient in accordance with the equation below.

${{Reusability}\mspace{14mu} {Ratio}} = \left( \frac{\begin{matrix}{{Volume}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Package}\mspace{14mu} {Materials}} \\{{That}\mspace{14mu} {May}\mspace{14mu} {Be}\mspace{14mu} {Reused}\mspace{14mu} {or}\mspace{14mu} {Recycled}}\end{matrix}}{\begin{matrix}{{Total}\mspace{14mu} {Volume}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Package}\mspace{14mu} {Materials}} \\{{Used}\mspace{14mu} {to}\mspace{14mu} {Construct}\mspace{14mu} {Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Package}}\end{matrix}} \right)$

For example, if 40 cubic centimeters of the materials used to constructa sample package may be reused or recycled and the total volume of thematerials used to construct a sample package is 50 cubic centimeters,the reusability ratio is 0.80. In the context of the certificationprocess, a high reusability ratio is favorable to a shipper. In anotherembodiment, the reusability ratio may be expressed as a ratio of theweight of the sample package materials that may be reused or recycled tothe total weight of the sample package.

Based on the calculated reusability ratio, the package materials modulemay assign a reusability and recyclability test score to the samplepackage. In one embodiment, this score may be assigned based on adefined scale. For example, reusability ratios greater than 0.8 may beassigned a score of 5, ratios between 0.7 and 0.6 assigned a score of 4,ratios between 0.5 and 0.4 a score of 3, ratios between 0.3 and 0.2 ascore of 2, and ratios less than 0.2 a score of 1. As will beappreciated by one of skill in the art, this scale may be adjusted toallow for more or less demanding requirements. Upon determining areusability and recyclability test score, the package materials modulestores the score in the database 30. In one embodiment, the packagematerials module may also assign a “pass” or “fail” score for thereusability and recyclability test based on the calculated reusabilityand recyclability score.

Next, the package materials module initiates a recovery value test andreceives recovery value data from the shipper. In one embodiment, thisstep may be accomplished by communicating authorization to enter data tothe shipper computer 16. Once initiated, the package materials modulemay receive data pertaining to the recovery value of a sample packagefrom the shipper computer 16. In one embodiment, this data may beentered by a shipper into the shipper computer 16. In anotherembodiment, this data may be stored on a shipper database accessible bythe shipper computer 16. The recovery value data is then stored in thedatabase 30, which is accessible by a third evaluation computer 14. Inone embodiment a package technician using the third evaluation computer14 may receive the recovery value data stored on the database 30, andinvestigate the validity of the recovery value data submitted by theshipper.

Next, the package materials module evaluates the recovery value dataprovided by the shipper. In one embodiment, the package materials modulemay be configured to calculate the recovery value of the sample package.As discussed above, the recovery value may be calculated as the totalrecovery value of the package, or as the recovery return rate of thevalued materials. In one embodiment, the recovery value of a samplepackage may be amount of money guaranteed to be returned when thepackage is submitted for recycling. For example, if a sample package isconstructed of 15 ounces of recyclable cardboard, which is guaranteed toreturn $0.05/ounce if returned to a certain recycling station, therecovery value of the sample package is $0.75. In the context of thecertification process, a higher recovery value is favorable to theshipper.

In one embodiment, materials may only qualify as having a recovery valueif that value is guaranteed in some way. For example, if a localrecycling center offers a certain rate for recyclable cardboard, butthat rate may be discontinued, changed, or eliminated at any time, therate is not eligible to be considered in the recovery value analysis. Inother embodiments, the recovery value of the sample package may not befixed and guaranteed. In further embodiments, a standard rate may beapplied to all shippers. In yet another embodiment, the recovery valuemay be evaluated in terms of the recovery rate of return of thematerials used to construct the sample package, as opposed to the totalrecovery value of the sample package. In this embodiment, the amount ofrecyclable materials used to construct the sample package has no impacton the recovery value evaluation. For example, a 10 ounce package madeof materials with a $0.90/ounce rate of return would be more favorableto a shipper than a 500 ounce package made of materials with a$0.80/ounce rate of return.

Based on the calculated recovery value, the package materials module mayassign a recovery value test score to the sample package. In oneembodiment, this score may be assigned based on a defined scale. Forexample, recovery values of $5 and above may be assigned a score of 5,values between $4 and $3 assigned a score of 4, values between $2 and $1a score of 3, values between $1 and $0.50 a score of 2, and values lessthan $0.50 a score of 1. In another embodiment, a similar scale may beadopted using recovery value rates, as opposed to total recovery values.As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, this scale may alsobe adjusted to allow for more or less demanding requirements. Upondetermining a recovery value test score, the package materials modulestores the score in the database 30. In one embodiment, the packagematerials module may also assign a “pass” or “fail” score for therecovery value test based on the calculated recovery value score.

Next, the package materials module initiates an up-cycling potentialtest and receives up-cycling potential data from the shipper. In oneembodiment, this step may be accomplished by communicating authorizationto enter data to the shipper computer 16. Once initiated, the packagematerials module may receive data pertaining to the up-cycling potentialof a sample package from the shipper computer 16. In one embodiment,this data may be entered by a shipper into the shipper computer 16 andthe data transmitted to the package materials module. In anotherembodiment, this data may be stored on a shipper database accessible bythe shipper computer 16. The up-cycling potential data is then stored inthe database 30, which is accessible by the third evaluation computer14. In one embodiment a package technician using the third evaluationcomputer 14 may receive the up-cycling potential data stored on thedatabase 30, and examine the sample package to confirm the presence ofmaterials claimed to have up-cycling potential.

Next, the package materials module evaluates the up-cycling potentialdata provided by the shipper. In one embodiment, the package materialsmodule may be configured to calculate the percentage of up-cyclablecontent of the sample package. In the context of the certificationprocess, up-cyclable materials may be those that are recyclable to ahigher, more-valuable use. For example, certain plastics are up-cylcablefor use in making fleece jackets. In one embodiment, the up-cyclablepercentage may be expressed as a percentage by weight in accordance withthe equation below.

${{Percentage}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Up}\text{-}{Cyclable}\mspace{14mu} {Content}} = {\left( \frac{\begin{matrix}{{Weight}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Up}\text{-}{Cyclable}} \\{\mspace{14mu} {{Materials}\mspace{14mu} {used}\mspace{14mu} {in}\mspace{14mu} {Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Package}}}\end{matrix}}{{Total}\mspace{14mu} {Weight}\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} {Sample}\mspace{14mu} {Package}} \right) \times 100}$

For example, if a sample package uses up-cyclable plastic weighing 12ounces, the remaining the materials used to construct the package arenot up-cyclable, and the total weight of the package is 15 ounces, thenthe percentage of up-cyclable content would be 80%. In the context ofthe certification process, a high up-cyclable content percentage isfavorable to a shipper. According to another embodiment, the up-cyclablecontent of a sample package may be expressed as a percentage by volume,as opposed to weight.

Based on the calculated percentage of up-cyclable content, the packagematerials module may assign an up-cycling potential test score to thesample package. In one embodiment, this score may be assigned based on adefined scale. For example, percentages of up-cyclable content greaterthan 80% may be assigned a score of 5, percentages between 79% and 60%assigned a score of 4, percentages between 59% and 40% a score of 3,percentages between 39% and 20% a score of 2, and percentages below 20%a score of 1. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, thisscale may be adjusted to allow for more or less demanding requirements.Upon determining an up-cycling potential test score, the packagematerials module stores the score in the database 30. In one embodiment,the package materials module may also assign a “pass” or “fail” scorefor the up-cycling potential test based on the calculated up-cyclingpotential test score.

Next, the package materials module initiates a resource efficiency testand receives resource efficiency data from the shipper. In oneembodiment, this step may be accomplished by communicating authorizationto enter data to the shipper computer 16. Once initiated, the packagematerials module may receive data pertaining to the resource efficiencyof a sample package from the shipper computer 16. In certainembodiments, this resource efficiency data may include informationrelating to the amount of certain resources used to manufacture a samplepackage (e.g., biotic material, minerals, water), the amount ofgreenhouse gases emitted during the manufacturing process, and theoverall toxicity of the resources used to manufacture the samplepackage. In one embodiment, this data may be entered by a shipper intothe shipper computer 16 and the data transmitted to the packagematerials module. In another embodiment, this data may be stored on ashipper database accessible by the shipper computer 16. The resourceefficiency data is then stored in the database 30, which is accessibleby a third evaluation computer 14.

Next, the package materials module evaluates the resource efficiencydata provided by the shipper. In one embodiment, the package materialsmodule may be configured to receive a resource efficiency score from acalculator system provided by a third-party (e.g., Sustainable PackagingCoalition). In this embodiment, the third-party calculator may provide aresource efficiency score based on calculations using the resourceefficiency data provided by the shipper. In another embodiment, the dataprovided by the shipper may be evaluated against thresholds and theresults evaluated by the package materials module to arrive at aresource efficiency score. Based on the resource efficiency scoreyielded by the calculations described above, the package materialsmodule may assign a scaled resource efficiency test score to the samplepackage. The scaled resource efficiency score may be assigned based on adefined scale used in the other package materials tests described above.For example, the package materials module may assign a scaled resourceefficiency score between 1 and 5 based on the resource efficiency scorereturned by the third-party calculator.

Upon determining the scaled resource efficiency test score, the packagematerials module stores the score in the database 30. In one embodiment,the package materials module may also assign a “pass” or “fail” scorefor the up-cycling potential test based on the calculated up-cyclingpotential test score.

Next, the package materials module evaluates the scores of all of thepackage materials tests and returns an overall package materials score.In one embodiment, the package materials module may be configured tocalculate the average of all scores for the various package materialstests. In addition, the package materials module may determine whetherthe calculated average test score meets or exceeds a defined minimumrequired score. If the calculated average test score is less than theminimum required score, the package evaluation module assigns a “fail”score for the package materials evaluation of the sample package. If thecalculated average test score meets or exceeds the minimum requiredscore, the package evaluation module assigns a “pass” score of thepackage materials evaluation of the sample package.

In another embodiment, the logic of the package materials module may bereconfigured such that one or all of the package materials test criteriaare evaluated individually. For example, the package materials modulemay instead compare the recycled content test score to a minimumrequired recycled content test score. If the sample package's recycledcontent test score meets or exceeds the minimum required score, thepackage materials module would move to the third step. If, however, thesample package's recycled content test score was less than the minimumrequired score, the package materials module would end and record afailing score. In addition, according to yet another embodiment, eachindividual package materials test may be assigned a “pass” or “fail”score, instead of a numeric score. In various other embodiments, thepackage materials tests described above may be conducted in differentorders.

In various other embodiments, the standard threshold scores and criteriaused by the package materials module may be altered and defined by theshipping entity to meet the shipping entity's preferences for theevaluation. In additional embodiments, the package materials module maybe configured to incorporate tests which differ from the exemplarydamage prevention tests discussed above. In other embodiments, thepackage materials evaluation may not include all of the packagematerials test described above. According to various other embodiments,other criteria may be added to or substituted into the basic frameworkof the package materials module.

Certification Module

According to various embodiments, the certification module 600 isconfigured to complete the certification process 900 by receiving andassessing the results of the evaluations 910, 920, 930 and granting ordenying certification to an shipper based on the results of theevaluations. FIG. 21 shows exemplary steps executed by the certificationmodule 600 in completing the certification process 900.

Beginning at step 602, the certification module 600 retrieves theoverall results of damage prevention evaluation 910, volume efficiencyevaluation 920, and package materials evaluation 930 for a particularshipper. As described above, the various modules 300, 400, 500 areconfigured to assign an overall pass or fail score for each of theevaluations 910, 920, 930. As the data resulting from each of theevaluations is stored on the database 30 as the evaluations arecompleted, the results are easily accessible by the certification module600 via the network 15.

Next, at step 604, the certification module 600 determines whether hassatisfied the criteria for certification of its transport packagingsystem. The criteria for certification may be specified by a packageevaluation system 5 user. For example, in one embodiment, the criteriafor certification is specified as a passing score achieved for each ofthe evaluations 910, 920, 930. Accordingly, in this embodiment, thecertification module 600 reviews the overall pass/fail scores from eachevaluation to determine whether the shipper has satisfied thecertification criteria. As will be appreciated by one of skill in theart, the criteria for certification may take on a variety of formsincluding, but not limited to, certain threshold scores for one or moreof the evaluations. In addition, the criteria for certification may beeffectively adjusted by altering the criteria for individual evaluations(e.g., requiring that the damage prevention evaluation be conducted forall product-package combinations as opposed to the heaviest and mostfragile package configuration for each box type).

Next, in step 606, the certification module 600 updates thecertification status of the shipper in the data associated with thatshipper stored in the database. This step also includes updating theshipper certification profile 260 at the certification level (e.g., asshown in FIG. 10B).

Next, in step 608, the certification module 600 generates acertification evaluation summary providing a brief overview of theresults of the certification process 900 conducted for the shipper andinstructions to the shipper for moving forward with the shippingentity's sustainability certification program. For example, FIG. 22shows an example certification evaluation summary 290 for the “ABCCompany.” As illustrated, the certification evaluation summary 290indicates generally the products and box types tested in the variousevaluations, the results of each of the evaluations 910, 920, 930, andbrief comments on each result. In one embodiment, in the event theshipper fails the certification process 900, the certificationevaluation report will instruct the shipper to review the results ofeach evaluation (e.g., via a web-based user interface) as an indicationof how to further improve their packaging.

Finally, in step 610, the certification evaluation summary 290 isautomatically sent to the shipper (e.g., by email, or other electroniccommunication means). In one embodiment, the certification evaluationsummary may also be sent in hard-copy form as a letter. In addition, thecertification evaluation summary 290 sent to the shipper may furtherinclude instructions to the shipper for utilizing its certification(e.g., executing a licensing agreement, payment of fees). In oneembodiment, the certification evaluation summary 290 may also indicatethat the shipper is authorized to ship packages with a certificationlogo and may request instructions from the shipper regarding the uses ofthe certification logo. For example, an e-mail may indicate that theshipper has the option of printing the certification logo on packagesitself, requesting labels bearing the certification logo from theshipping entity, or requesting that the shipping entity print thecertification logo on packages shipped by the shipper. The shipper maysend instructions to the shipping entity directly from the shippercomputer 16 to the database 30 via the network 15 and shipping entityserver 20, by e-mail to the shipping entity, or via a letter sent bystandard mail.

As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, theexemplary steps of the certification module 600, shown in FIG. 21, maybe altered to reflect varying certification requirements set by theshipping entity.

Use of Package Graphics

According to additional embodiments of the package evaluation system 5,the shipping entity server may further include a package graphics moduleconfigured to receive instructions from the shipper regarding use of thecertification logo and execute the shipper's instructions accordingly.For example, the package graphics module may receive a shipper'sinstructions regarding use of the certification logo via e-mail ordirectly via the shipper computer 16. Based on the instructions receivedfrom the user, the package graphics module may then take various actionsto facilitate the shipper's use of the certification logo.

For example, if the package graphics module determines that the shipperhas requested to print logos itself, the package graphics module maysend an e-mail to the shipper indicating authorization to use thecertification logo and including instructions on how to acquire thelogo. In one embodiment, the e-mail may include a file containing thelogo image for use in printing, or a link to a website where the logomay be downloaded. If the package graphics module determines that theshipper has not requested to print logos itself, the package graphicsmodule may trigger the shipment of labels or stickers to the shipperhaving the certification logo that may be affixed to packages. Inaddition, the package graphics module may interface directly with alabel printing apparatus configured for generating custom labels. In oneembodiment, the package graphics module may indicate a certain level ofcertification obtained by a shipper that may be indicated on the labelsbeing generated. In another embodiment, the label printing apparatus isconfigured for printing certification logos on the shipper's packagesbefore they are shipped by the shipping entity.

According to one embodiment, the certification logo placed on thepackages of certified shippers may include a small design with writingindicating the certification of the shipper shipping the package. Forexample, FIG. 23 shows a certified package 8 shipped with standardpackage information 82 and a certification logo 84 in the form of a treedesign with the words “Green Certified” printed next to it. As will beappreciated by one of skill in the art, the certification log 84 maytake the form of any graphical design or phrase effectively conveyingthe shipper's certification. In another embodiment, the certificationlogo 84 may include an overall score achieved by the shipper. Asdescribed above, in one embodiment, the evaluation modules 300, 400, and500 may return overall numerical scores which may then be averaged bythe certification module 600. The final overall score by thecertification module 600 may be displayed on packages 8 shipped by theshipper. In yet another embodiment, the certification logo 84 mayinclude an indication of a shipper's level of certification. Forexample, the certification module 600 may assign certification levels ofachievement to shippers (e.g., silver, gold, platinum). In oneembodiment, these achievement levels may be assigned in accordance withthe shipper's final overall score. This certification level may beprinted as part of, or along with, the certification logo 84 on theshipper's packages 8. For example, the certification logo 84 may includea gold medal graphic for gold certification status, or may print thewords “gold certified” next to the certification logo.

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. Accordingly, it is to be understood that theinvention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed andthat modifications and other embodiments are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the invention. Although specific terms are employedherein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and notfor the purposes of limitation.

1. A system for evaluating the sustainability of one or more packagematerials used to construct one or more packages, said systemcomprising: one or more memory storage areas; and one or more processorsconfigured for executing the steps of: receiving package materials datapertaining to the sustainability of one or more package materials usedto construct a package; storing said package materials data in at leastone of said memory storage areas; and determining, based on said packagematerials data, whether said packages have satisfied a set of predefinedsustainability criteria.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said packagematerials comprise one or more shipping container materials and one ormore internal package materials.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein saidinternal package materials comprise one or more materials selected fromthe group consisting of: cushion material, fill material, containermaterial, divider material, wrap material, and film material.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said package materials data comprise datapertaining to one or physical more attributes of said package materialsselected from the group consisting of: material type, weight, thickness,and density.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said package materialsdata comprise one or more efficiency attributes of said packagematerials selected form the group consisting of: source locationdistance, biodegradability, recyclability, reusability, recycledcontent, and renewability.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein saidpackage materials data comprises one or more environmental impactattributes of said package materials selected from the group consistingof: fossil fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, waterconsumption, biotic resource consumption, aquatic toxicity, mineralconsumption, and eutrophication.